Samarkand travel guide - Wikitravel Registan Gur-Emir Registan Ensemble. Registan became the city square when the life in Afrosiab stopped. Since that time Registan was reconstructed several times. Today it is surrounded by the three medreses Ulugbek, Shirdor and Tilla Kari. edit Shirdor Medrese, (on Registan, opposite Ulugbek medrese). Medrese Shirdor repeats the facade and composition of Ulugbek medrese opposite. In Shirdor medrese the first floor is preserved, whereseas it is destroyed in Ulugbek medrese. The decorations of entrance portal are illustrating the tiger (“shir” that’s why it is called Shirdor. Ornaments and decorations are very rich, but its quality is worse than of Ulugbek medrese. Shirdor medrese was erected by order of Uzbek feudal lord Yalangtush in 1619-1632. Inscriptions of medrese show the names of the masters Abdaldjabbar and Muhammad-Abbas. edit Ulugbek Medrese, (on the western side of Registan Square).

The oldest medrese on Registan is a large rectangular building with monumental portal and a yard with four-verandahs, surrounded by cells for students and with four classrooms in the corners. In the western part is a winter mosque. The corners of the building are decorated with high minarets. The decorations consists of glazed and unglazed bricks, mosaics, majolica,carving marble. The most beautiful decorations are zhose of the main portal, where geometric, vegetative and epigraphic decorations were used. Inscriptions mention Ulugbek and several dates relating to the stages of construction. In 823 (1420) when the construction of the medrasah was finished. edit Tilla Kari Medrese. edit Gur Emir Mausoleum (Gur-e Amir Mausoleum), Akhunbabayev. 8-19. (aka Amir Temur Mausoeum) As a conqueror there are few that are Tamerlane equal, both in territory and lives taken. It is said that he made pyramids out of the skulls of his vanquished.

Today one can visit his tomb in the beautifully reconstructed Gur-Emir Mausoleum (1404-1405, 15-17 centuries) and reflect on his life while looking at the largest piece of jade (greenstone) in the world. [Aug 2012] entrance $4.50, camera $3. edit Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Tashkent kochasi (on the pedestrian by Siob Bazaar). The restored Mosque Bibi-Khonym (named after the wife of Temur 1399-1404) is one of best known architectural attractions of Central Asia. The Mosque was erected on Timur's order after his raid of Delhi. The Minaret of the Mosque was supposed to be the tallest. [Aug 2012] uzs 8000. edit Shakhi-Zinda Ensemble. Another point of interest is ancient necropolis Shakh-i-Zinda (9-14, 19 centuries)situated on southeastern mound of Afrosiab. This architectural complex consists of 44 tombs in more than 20 mausoleums.

The greatest Significance of Shah E Zinda is that he was the First cousin of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH and resembles the Prophet the most. (Hadrat Hissam Ibne Abbass or Kissam Ibne Abbass) {GPS N 39.39.42.4 , E 066.59.16.5} uzs 5000. edit Afrosiab, Tashkent kochasi (on an irrigated valley of the Zerafshan River, a few hundred meters from the center of the city). The ruined site of ancient and medieval Samarqand in the northern part of the modern town. This place always ensured favorable conditions for human settlements. As proof, one can freely walk through the ancient ruins. A museum is in the center of the remains. The famous Persian Pehlvan Rustam and Sohrab belonged to the Afrosiyob. edit Khazrat-Khizr, Tashkent kuchasi. 8-18. This mosque is one of the ancient edifices of Samarkand was destroyed by Genghis Khan's hordes. It was rebuilt in 19 cent.

A beautiful Mosque stands on the elevation at the entrance of town from where their eye wanders over Bibi-Khonym Mosque, the big bazaar and the mountains in the South. edit Tomb of Prophet Daniel, Afrosiab (Off Tashkent Kochasi, Northeast of Registan). Amongst other curiosities in Samarkand is the tomb of the Hebrew Prophet Daniel, which is in the cemetery section of Afrosiab next to a pleasant stream. For a small fee you may enter the tomb, which contains a burial chamber around 18 meters long. Muslim men will offer prayers while you listen respectfully. After the conquest of Syria the grave was transported to Samarkand under the orders of Amir Temur. edit Ulugbek's Observatory: Another curiosity is the observatory of Ulugbek (Timur's grandson). It was located by the Russian archeologists. Only the foundations remain but it is truly extraordinary. Ulugbek was an astronomer, scientist and architect. His scientific and astronomical discoveries greatly advanced knowledge in these fields. The monument is situated in the north-east outskirts of city at the foot Chupan-ata mountain, which in medieval times was called Kukhak.

That was three floor round building, decorated by glazed tiles, majolica, mosaic, but it was destroyed. The only thing that was preserved is a part of huge sextant – major astronomic instrument, the lowest part of which was in a deep trench (11km). Both arcs of this instrument are made of marble with indication of degrees. During the excavation works there were found a lot of remains of other astronomic instruments. Even being preserved partially, the observatory of Ulugbek is unique not only for Central Asia, but also for the whole world. The remains of observatory were conserved at the beginning of 60s XX. Here was also organized museum, where collecting the unique astronomic information and instruments related to Timurids epoch. The Mausoleum of Al Buxori Al Bukhari located in a suburb of Samarkand, at Payerik. Al Buxori was collector of the sayings of prophet Muhamed and compiled them in to a book Known as Hadith Bukhari Sharif or Bukhari Sahih. He was buried in the place where his mausoleum is located now.

His Mausoleum was reconstructed by Uzbek Government and supported by some Muslim Governments, the bricks were delivered from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The project was financed by the Iranian government. The constructers and artists from all Uzbekistan and Iran were working to reonstruct the complex. The Green Marble was supplied by the Pakistan Government. According to newspaper articles Imam Bukhari's grave is visited every day by about 1.000 visitors from all over the world. The present building was constructed on top of the original grave of Imam Al-Bukhari in 1997, 1225 years after the imam's death. The complex consists of Al Bukhari's mosque and grave and a museum exhibiting Qurans from some Muslim countries. Abu Mansoor Al Matrudi Mausoleum Newly Renovated the Mausoleum of great Sunni Faqi is located 1 Km from masjid Bibi Khanum inside the Residential area. Visitor has to walk. Mirza Zaheer Ud Din Babur in his book Babur Noma has praised the knowledge and Command on Fiqah of Abu Mansoor Al Matrudi.

Rukhabat Mausoleum, Akhunbabayev (between Registan square and Gur-Emir ensemble). This is a central square mausoleum without portal with four identical facades. The arch entrance is decorated by blue glazed tiles and eventually the cupola was also covered by glazed tiles. According to manuscripts Rukhabat mausoleum ("place of spirit presence") was the burial place of the Samarkand sufi Burkhan ad-Din Sagardji, who died in 1380s. The mausoleum was built at a time, when central compositions were not popular and decorations of burial architecture was very rich. On the occasion of anniversary of Amir Timur in 1996 all buildings, which were not related to the monument, were destroyed and the ruins of constructions of Rukhabat complex – the mosque, khidjras, medrese and minaret came to light. edit Abdi Darun Ensemble, (in the north-east part of city). The mausoleum was erected over the grave of famous lawyer. It has been reconstructed for several times.

A 'ziaratkhana' was built in front of mausoleum during the reign of Ulugbek. The portal and cupola drum are decorated with geometric ornaments and inscriptions from glazed bricks. In the cemetery are 'dahmas' (large grave constructions), dating to the 15 cent., covered with glazed tiles. The mosque was constructed at the beginning of 20 cent. It consists of a winter room and a summer column aivan, decorated by pottery carving and colored paintings. A small medrese was added at the end of 19th cent. edit Ishrat-khana Mausoleum, Sadriddin Ayniy. Ruined and atmospheric with no people at all {GPS N 39.38.35.0 , E 066.59.26.5} [Aug 2012] free. edit Ak-Saray Mausoleum. edit Khodja Ahrar Ensemble, (in the northern part of city near the cemetery). The grave of the famous religious and state benefactor of 15th cent. Nakshbandi Ubeidallah Ahrar is decorated by white marble tiles covered by inscriptions.

The Medrese of Nadira divan-begi is a one floor building with a traditional four-aivans yard composition. The main entrance is decorated by portal, two khudjras are situated on the both sides of it as well as in the north and south parts of building. The western part of building is a mosque with a huge portal, main hall (mikhrab) and four rooms. The mosque was probably built in 15th cenr., but the medrese was erected in 1040-1045 (1630-1636) according to the order of well-known official Nadira divan-begi by architect Dust-Mukhammad. The decoration are very typical for ?VII: majolica, mosaic of high quality. The decorations of entrance portal are illustrating tigers and does. The summer mosque was built in XVII in the south from medrese. The decorations of mikhrab niche of this mosque are very similar to medrese. The column aivan (verandah) between medrese and summer mosque was constructed or reconstructed in later period. At the beginning of XX century ceiling of aivan was covered by vivid paintings.

A small minaret, which is situated opposite to aivan, was erected in 1909 by Sadulla architect. edit Hotel Regal Palace (Regal Palace Hotel Building), Kunaev Street, Samarkand Airport (Samarkand Airport), ☎ +998 97 4431080 ( info@theregalpalace.com ), [1] . checkin: 14.00; checkout: 12.00. $65-85 including breakfast. edit Hotel Malika, 37, Khamraev Street, ☎ +998 662 330197 ( info@malika-samarkand.com ), [2] . $40-65 including breakfast. edit Hotel Zarafshan, 65 Sharaf Rashidov St (beside Central Park in the new part of town), ☎ +998 662 333 372. A recently renovated old Soviet hotel with loads of moody charm. Rooms are variable, so ask to see more than one if the first isn't to your liking. The front desk staff were very helpful.

$15-30. edit Bahodir B&B, Mulokandov 132 (In the city centre, on the east side of the Registan, behind the museum.), ☎ +998 622 35-47-59, +998 622 35-43-05. checkout: 12:00. This place seems to be the main meeting point for backpackers in Samarkand. The courtyard with teabeds makes a nice place for few beers and sharing travel stories. The staff is friendly, honest and willing to sell beer from their fridge. However, if staying in the dorm, the shared bathroom and toilet is a bit claustrophobic, but not bad. There is WiFi but had some kind of problem [Aug 2012] {GPS N 39° 39.366 E 066° 58.753} US$ 8 for a dorm bed, doubles from US$ 24 , breakfast is included and a dinner costs US$3 extra..

edit B&B Davr, Samarkand,Republik of Uzbekistan,Ali Kushchi st.43 (In the city centre, close to the Registan), [3] . checkout: 12:00. B&B with rooms set around a courtyard. They also do dinners on request which are a delicious and massive spread and very reasonable. The son of the owner speaks English. US$ 15 per person per night incl breakfast. edit Jahongir B&B, Chirokchi #4 (50 metres behind the wall on Suzangaron str. from the SUPERMARKET store on the corner), ☎ +998 66 391 92 44 (info@jahongirbandb.com), [4] . checkin: 15:00; checkout: 11:00. Jahongir B&B is located in the heart of Historical part of Samarkand within 5 minutes from Registan Ensemble. Comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Nice, shady hangout area in the courtyard, scrumptous breakfasts! Services include: dinners on request, wireless internet, taxi on call, guide services, laundry & dry clean.

single US$25, double US$40. (39°39'3.35С,66°58'39.71E) edit President Hotel, 53, Shokhrukh Str, ☎ 2334086, [5] . four star hotel opened 2004, centrally located, restaurant, swimming pool single USD105, double USD165 incl buffet breakfast. edit Orient Star Hotel, 33. Daghitskaja Str., ☎ 2322906. opened 2001, in the heart of the old town, restaurant, swimming pool edit Hotel Abdurahmon, 1/7 Buxara Str., ☎ +998 662 35 47 27. Simple and clean accommodations in Registan. Great hospitality and shared balcony. Limited parking (maximum two cars). USD25 per night for two-bed room, $35 per night for three-bed room (as of July 2012). Snacks and tea are provided on arrival and breakfast is included.

Located a couple of minutes down a narrow street by car - you might think you're going the wrong way when you aren't. (39°39'3.42С,66°59'00.9E) edit Google Map of Samarkand, Uzbekistan - Nations Online Project Satellite view is showing Samarkand (also Samarqand), it the second-largest city in Uzbekistan , situated in the valley of the river Zarafshan in the center of the country. The Sher Dor Madrasah, part of the Registan in Samarkand Image: Tchumbley The city's old name is Afrasiab, famous as a center of trading because of its central position on the Asian Silk Road between the Far East ( China ) and the Mediterranean region. Today Samarkand has a population of about 500,000 people. Official language is Uzbek, but the majority of the city's inhabitants are Persian-speaking Tajiks. Just zoom in (+) to see the Registan, open public space, with its three madrasahs (institutions of learning). The Registan is located in the center of this ancient city. It is a major tourist attraction in Samarkand.

The map shows a city map of Samarkand with expressways, and main roads, zoom out to find the location of Samarkand Airport ( IATA code : SKD) north of the city center on the periphery of Samarkand. To find a location use the form below. To find a location type: street or place, city, optional: state, country. Local Time Samarkand: Time zone: Uzbekistan Time (UZT) :: UTC / GMT +5 hours φ Latitude, λ Longitude (of Map center; move the map to see coordinates): , Google Maps: Searchable map/satellite view of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. City Coordinates: 39°39′15″N 66°57′35″E History of Samarkand History History of Samarkand There are cities which centuries-old history embodies the history of whole nation and countries, reflecting the way passed by many generations. Samarkand is one of the most ancient cities in the world. As other first centers of human civilization - Babylon and Memphis, Athens and Rome, Alexandria and Byzantium - Samarkand was intended to go through many events and shakes.

History of Samarkand goes back in remote days. Archeological finds and chronicle records of eyewitnesses and ancient historians allowed to establish with full reliability that a man lived on the territory of modern city many centuries before the Common Era. Advantageous geographical location, rather favorable climate, abundance of natural springs with fine water, nearness of mountains with large wild fowl, flowing Zaravshan river - all these factors always provided favorable conditions for human settlings in that area, where strong walls, castles, majestic buildings and temples of Samarkand raised some centuries before the Commone Era. In historical events of ancient time the earliest mention about Samarkand (also known as Marakand) dates to 329th year B.C., in descriptions of eyewitnesses and participants of conquering army of Alexandr the Great. By that time Samarkand was a big city with crowded population, developed crafts, trade, and culture. It had unassailable citadel and outside defensive wall with length of 10,5 kilometers.

According to new archeological excavations scientists concluded that Samarkand was founded much earlier than Greek-Macedonian conquer and already during the epoch of the Akhemenids State (6-4th centuries BC) it was quite developed city. Hence the “age” of Samarkand is over 2500 years, starting from the origin on the forest hill of Afrosiab, though it is far older. Over the history the city saw half-savage tribes of Sacs and Massagets, iron flanks of Greek-Macedonin army, hordes of cruel Kara-Kidani. The city withstood invasion of the Arabs, who brought with them a new religion - Islam. Bloody hordes of Ghengis-Khan attacked peaceful houses with fire and sword. Samarkand became the capital of Great Empire of Tamerlane, ranged from Ind River to Bosfor. After Timur’s death all his empire came to the power of his children and grandchildren. Samarkand and surroundings devolved to Ulugbek, Timur’s grandson. Ulugbek ruled Samarkand during 40 years. For the whole history Uligbek was the most peace-loving ruler.

He almost did not participate in aggressive campaigns over ruling his state. He visited other countries many times but only to study traditions, culture, and customs of those countries. He was great scientist, astronomer, and mathematician; therefore he brought many scientists from different countries for science development in his county. 14-15th centuries is the period of the Golden Age of the city. City construction is at its zenith: the city is surrounded by strong fortified wall, new streets, paved of stone, are laid through the city, blue domes of magnificent ensembles tower above the city. Most of these objects survived our days and are the main symbols of the city. Today Samarkand like most cities of Central Asia is divided into two parts: old and new city. New part is an administrative part of the city, including industrial and cultural centers, high educational institutions. Old part of the city includes historical monuments, shops, workshops, old private houses. Generally, an excursion is held in the old part of the city. Samarkand numbers 500 thousands people. This is multinational city, more that 100 nations live in Samarkand. Samarkand takes second place in Uzbekistan by number of population and territory.

Samarkand | Uzbekistan | Britannica.com Uzbekistan Abū Manṣūr Muḥammad al-Māturīdī Samarkand, Uzbek Samarqand, city in east-central Uzbekistan that is one of the oldest cities of Central Asia . Known as Maracanda in the 4th century bce, it was the capital of Sogdiana and was captured by Alexander the Great in 329 bce. The city was later ruled by Central Asian Turks (6th century ce), the Arabs (8th century), the Sāmānids of Iran (9th–10th century), and various Turkic peoples (11th–13th century) before it was annexed by the Khwārezm-Shāh dynasty (early 13th century) and destroyed by the Mongol conqueror Genghis Khan (1220). After it revolted against its Mongol rulers (1365), Samarkand became the capital of the empire of Timur (Tamerlane), who made the city the most important economic and cultural centre in Central Asia.

Samarkand was conquered by Uzbeks in 1500 and became part of the khanate of Bukhara . By the 18th century it had declined, and from the 1720s to the 1770s it was uninhabited. Only after it became a provincial capital of the Russian Empire (1887) and a railroad centre did it recover economically. It was briefly (1924–36) the capital of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic. Samarkand today consists of an old city dating from medieval times and a new section built after the Russian conquest of the area in the 19th century. Shirdar madrasa on Rīgestān Square, Samarkand, Uzbekistan. © Dusan Radivojevic/Fotolia Shāh-e Zendah group of mausoleums and mosques in Samarkand, southeastern Uzbekistan, … Ara Guler, Istanbul The old city’s plan has streets converging toward the centre from six gates in the 5-mile- (8-km-) long, 11th-century walls.

The walls and gates were destroyed after the capture of the town by the Russians, but the plan of the medieval period is still preserved. The old city contains some of the finest monuments of Central Asian architecture from the 14th to the 20th century, including several buildings dating from the time when Samarkand was Timur’s capital city. Among the latter structures are the mosque of Bībī-Khānom (1399–1404), a building that was commissioned by Timur’s favorite Chinese wife, and Timur’s tomb itself, the Gūr-e Amīr mausoleum, built about 1405. To the second half of the 15th century belongs the Ak Saray tomb with a superb fresco of the interior.

Rīgestān Square, an impressive public square in the old city, is fronted by several madrasas (Islamic schools): that of Timur’s grandson, the astronomer Ulūgh Beg (1417–20), and those of Shirdar (1619–1635/36) and Tilakari (mid-17th century), which together border the square on three sides. Samarkand has several other mausoleums, madrasas, and mosques dating from the 15th to the 17th century, though they are not as impressive as the structures from Timur’s day. The principal features of Samarkand’s ancient buildings are their splendid portals, their vast coloured domes, and their remarkable exterior decorations in majolica, mosaic, marble, and gold. The historic city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001. Similar Topics Samarkand- The Gem of The East Samarkand- The Gem of The East Samarkand is the second largest city of Uzbekistan and is of the same age as Rome, Athens and Babylon- more than 25 centuries old.

Ancient Arab manuscripts refer to it as the �Gem of the East�, Europeans called it the �The Land of Scientists�. A majestic and beautiful city, Samarkand is the city of legends. When Alexander the Great first time saw Samarkand, he exclaimed � I heard that the city was beautiful but never thought that it could be so beautiful and majestic�. Yes, by any standards the city has an astonishing collection of ancient monuments. The turquoise domes of Samarkand is among the world�s most evocative architectural symbols. The most magnificent landmark in this old city is Registan Square- a traditional center of the city. The square is lined on the three sides by sparkling and turquoise tiled buildings- Ulugbek Madrasah, Sherdor and Tilla Qori. Madrasah in Arabic means The medieval universities. Inferior and exterior facades of the madrassah are decorated with ornament of glazed brick, mosaic and carved marble. The Square is considered an architectural gem representing the finest in Islamic Art. The Other Historical site is Mausoleum of Tamerlane, one of the imposing conquerors in history, who made Samarkand beloved by poets and travelers.

The majesty of architectural forms and lines and colorful mosaic designs make this mausoleum a unique monument of medieval architecture. the famous blue ribbed cantaloupe dome of mausoleum rises over the tin roof-tops in central Samarkand. A massive slab of green jade, under which Tamerlane was laid is said to be the largest such stone in the world. Samarkand�s importance to the history and culture mankind is now being recognized by UN, UNESCO and WTO, which are helping to promote tourism to the region. As the government, who has made tourism a priority sector for development is continuing to invest hotels, airports, transportation and leisure facilities, service is becoming yet another of the country�s attractions. As one the ancient poets said: You can travel through the whole world, have a look at the pyramids and admire the smile of the Sphinx; You can listen to the soft singing of the wind at the Adriatic Sea and kneel down reverently at the ruins of the Acropolis, be dazzled by Rome with its Forum and Coliseum, be charmed by Notre Dame in Paris or by old domes of Milan; But if you have seen buildings of Samarkanda, you will be enchanted by its magic forever.

Samarkand Samarkand Email Samarkand Samarkand is the second-largest city in Uzbekistan and is located in the south of the country, near Shahrisabz and the border with Tajikistan. Samarkand is on UNESCO's World Heritage List, and has been a center of learning and culture in Central Asia for thousands of years. Samarkand is even said to have constructed the first paper mill in the Islamic world after two Chinese prisoners told the secret of papermaking, which then spread throughout Central Asia and Europe. Even Alexander the Great was impressed with the city, saying "Everything I have heard about Samarkand is true. Except that it is more beautiful than I ever imagined." Travelers who tour Uzbekistan still feel this way about the magical city today. SamarkandSamarkand is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, and it blossomed as a center of trade when travelers on the famous Silk Road from China to the Mediterranean passed through the city. It was probably founded around 700 B.C. by Persians, and it was conquered by the famous Alexander the Great in 329 B.C.

Samarkand later became a part of a kingdom of Turkey, and was sacked along with many other cities in Central Asia by Genghis Khan in 1220. The famous ruler of Central Asia Timur (known in Europe as Tamerlane) later rebuilt Samarkand and made it the capital of his empire. The city of Samarkand shows the great diversity in its history with its beautiful variety of monuments today. SamarkandOne of the famous monuments in Samarkand is the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. The mosque is one of the most impressive buildings in Central Asia, built by Timur around 1400 for his new capital city. The outer walls are nearly 200 yards long, and the whole building is covered with gorgeous mosaics in different colors and patterns, restored in 1974 by the Uzbekistan government. There is a large marble Quran stand in the mosque's courtyard, and a historic bazaar nearby.

The heart of Samarkand is the historic Registan Square, lined with three schools: the Ulugbek, Sherdor, and Tilla Qori Madrassahs, all decorated with bright turquoise tiles, glazed bricks, mosaics, and marble carvings. Another popular tour site is the Gur-Emir Mausoleum with its stunning decoration and blue dome. Samarkand is though of by travelers as a city of blue for all of the incredible blue decorations on various city buildings.Samarkand Samarkand has a pleasant climate with hot dry summers, mild winters, and generally sunny skies. It offers an incomparable cultural tour for visitors to Uzbekistan, in a gorgeous natural setting of springs, mountains, and wildlife. It is no wonder that Samarkand has been called the 'Pearl of the Muslim World' and the 'Rome of the East.' Featured Tours Samarkand Travel Guide Samarkand Samarkand - The Capital of Tamerlane Samarkand is situated in the valley of the river Zerafshan. It is the second largest city of Uzbekistan and is of the same age as the city of Babylon or Rome.

The history of Samarkand is about 2,750 years old and has witnessed many upheavals during the times of Alexander the Great, the Arabic Conquest, Genghis-Khan Conquest and lastly Tamerlane's. Hence, the culture of Samarkand was developed and mixed together with the Iranian, Indian, Mongolian and a bit of the Western and Eastern cultures. Majestic and beautiful city Samarkand has a marvelous and attractive power. Poets and historians of the past called it "Rome of the East, The beauty of sublunary countries, The pearl of the Eastern Muslim World". Its advantageous geographical position in the Zarafshan valley puts Samarkand to the first place among cities of Central Asia. Over the history this legendary city on the Silk Road went through growths and decays, suffered from destroying invasions of foreign rulers and again revived, becoming more beautiful. Trade routes to the west, to Persia, to the east, to China, to the south, to India, intersected here and formed intersections of the Silk Road. Today Samarkand is the treasure of unique antiquity spirit.

It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List due to the abundance of material and spiritual values. Unique monuments of ancient architecture, heritage of scientific and arts schools, artisans workshops are well-known around the world. Samarkand Pictures Samarkand, Uzbekistan | History of Samarkand USD: 2904.68 EUR: 3310.18 RU: 45.15 Samarkand, Uzbekistan | History of Samarkand Home / Cities of Uzbekistan /Samarkand, Uzbekistan | History of Samarkand History of Samarkand Regardless of what type of vacation you are planning and with whom, Samarkand Uzbekistan can be a wonderful destination for anyone. During the city’s almost-three-thousand-year existence, it has always been the crossroads of civilizations, cultures, and peoples. Being commonly known in different parts of the planet as a fantastic place with a unique oriental flavor that enriches Uzbekistan history, this city is both ancient and at the same time forever young. Marks of the Ancient Times Samarkand, being kind of an old greybeard among other cities of the world, embodies the stories of countries and nations and shows how time influences generations of people.

Just like the locations of the first civilizations – Rome, Athens, Babylon, Alexandria, Byzantium, and Memphis – Samarkand’s fate was to go through dangerous periods in history that would test its strength and the vigor of its citizens. The city, with its beautiful blue domes that charm millions of tourists, has a rich history that is thousands of years long. Analysis of the archaeological findings indicates that people first appeared in the city several millennia BC. Samarkand has a great geographical position. Favorable climate, sufficient rainfall, proximity to mountains with a variety of animals to hunt – all of it created a convenient environment for settling on that territory. The stone walls and towers surrounding the temples and palaces of Samarkand rulers appeared there a few centuries before our era. The first mentions of Samarkand (alternatively Samarcand or Samarqand) have been found in historical chronicles that date back to Alexander the Great and his conquests: Maracanda is how they called the city in 329 BC. At that time, it was a densely populated city with highly developed culture, trade, and crafts. A ten-kilometer (six miles) long defensive wall and a mighty fortress were built to protect the city from potential invaders.

Today, it is widely known that Samarkand was founded around the 6th-4th centuries BC. Archeological researches prove that it was developing really fast even back to those days. Throughout the history, the old streets of a dusty city had to withstand the Greek-Macedonian troops, cruel Kara Khitai hordes and Genghis Khan. The city also had to survive destructive invasions of the Arabs who, by the way, were the ones to bring a new religion called Islam. Tamerlane’s Rule Amir Timur, more widely known as Tamerlane, is a famous conqueror of a Turco-Mongol origin. In 1370, supported by the noble class, Timur succeeded in defeating his predecessor Hussain. As soon as he took over the power in the city, he proclaimed himself the ruler of the Timurid Empire, and Samarkand was announced to be its capital. Waging wars for 35 years, Timur had managed to establish a glorious empire, which was stretching from the Volga River to the Ganges, from the Tien Shan to the Bosporus. The richest countries of the East became subdued by him.

In 1397-1398 years, Tamerlane invaded the northern part of India. Then, it was the time for Georgia, the Caucasus, and Syria. In 1400, Timur started the war with the Turkish and Egyptian sultans, which ended successfully too. Timur and his son Miran Shah held diplomatic correspondence with the rulers of the West European nations. In particular, they exchanged letters with Genoa, Venice, Turkey, Byzantium, Spain, France, and England. Thousands of skilled craftsmen were forced to move from conquered countries to Samarkand, where they were supposed to help with transforming it into a big and glorious city. Tamerlane’s plan for his capital was to make it surpass all the other world’s capitals in every possible way. When you visit Samarkand, you will be able to observe some of his constructions: the flamboyant complex of mausoleums called Shah-i-Zinda; the Bibi-Khanym Mosque; and other magnificent monuments. Golden Ages Samarkand had been a capital of the Timurid Empire for 35 years. After Tamerlane died, the power to rule passed to his sons and grandsons.

Ulugh Beg was the grandson who got Samarkand along with some territories surrounding it. He had been ruling the city for 40 years. Ulugh Beg was known as a peaceful man who took a very small part in aggressive and invasive campaigns. He frequently visited other countries but it was just for the purpose of studying their culture, traditions, and trade. He was a talented scientist – a great mathematician and astronomer – who gathered scientists from different parts of the planet to work with him on his researches, which eventually resulted in compiling a star catalogue, one of the greatest in entire human history. In the 14th and 15th centuries, Samarkand was truly blossoming. It’s fair to say that it was going through its golden age, existing behind strong walls that protected the city’s gardens and parks. Most of the buildings, monuments, and other architectural objects that were constructed then are the primary urban tourist attractions today. And what had been built under the rule of the Timurid dynasty is equal to the masterpieces of the ancient Egypt, India, Rome, China, or Greece in terms of cultural importance and historical heritage.

Samarkand Today Now, similar to most cities in the world, Samarkand is divided into new and old districts. The new part of the city looks rather modern. There are cultural, industrial, and educational establishments in the area. The old neighborhoods have much to show you too. But it’s not only monuments of historical value, it’s also old private houses and little shops. You can go for one of the tours will show you around the old districts of Samarkand. You will see that the city’s current population is around 500,000 people, but it is a cosmopolitan city with over 100 nationalities represented. Besides, Samarkand is one of the Uzbekistan’s biggest cities, second to Tashkent. Oriental Beauty For many centuries, this city has been full of life. Some of the greatest scientific discoveries as well as some brilliant poetry lines have been made right there. And it all happened with beautiful architecture and natural beauty in the background. Everyone who comes to Samarkand for the first time will be impressed by numerous historical layers overlapping there. More than once, the city had to revive after the most severe adversities to restore its true splendor.

Owing to the famous people of Samarkand, its sons and daughters, the city has become the heart of economic and social life, science and art, the intersection of old and new. History and Sightseeings

Question: In which country is the city of Samarkand?
Answer: Uzbekistan